Chapter 13: A Hero's Wings
After their rather interesting Advanced Charms class, Harry and Hermione made a slight detour on their way to Transfiguration, down towards the dungeons where the second-year Ravenclaws were coming out of the class, Harry catching sight of Luna almost immediately. Seeing the two Knights standing there, waiting for her, Luna smiled at them before she asked, "Hello there Harry Potter, Hermione Granger; is something wrong?"
"No Luna," Harry replied, offering the blonde-haired Raven his arm, which she gratefully accepted, "It's just Neville: he was worried for you and asked that we escort you to Professor Flitwick's class."
"But won't you be late?" asked Luna, earning a laugh from Harry and Hermione as the Knight of Thunder looked to their new friend.
"Professor McGonagall is my Head of House," Harry explained, "While she is a tigress underneath her feline form, not even she can deny the courage and heart shown by two of her lions, let alone the Heir and Lord of her House."
"In other words," Hermione added, "Harry had Neville deliver the message and we'll get off scot-free."
"Oh," Luna gasped, watching as the White Knight of Gryffindor that was Harry James Potter guided her through the corridors, those who would attempt to redirect her or ambush her finding their attempts foiled by the presence of the Holy Knight, Harry finding that Luna was slowly becoming a welcome member of his little gathering.
As they reached the Charms class, Harry turned to Luna as an idea came to mind, "Luna, what do you have on Tuesday mornings and Friday afternoons?"
"Tuesday mornings are Professor Binns," Luna explained, "And Friday afternoons are free study periods: why do you ask?"
"Oh, no real reason," Harry answered, "It's just that those are my scheduled training lessons with Sebastian and I was wondering if you'd like to join us? I'm sure Professor Binns won't mind: Merlin," he then laughed, "He probably won't even notice."
"Oh," Luna repeated, "Okay: but do you think Mr McDale will mind?"
"Luna," Hermione assured her, "Sebastian and the entire Order serve Harry with a loyalty that is similar to the Knights of the Round Table to King Arthur: if he says that you're joining us, then you're joining us."
"Okay then," Luna smiled, nodding to Harry, "Sure: thank you Harry Potter: will I be joining your company for lunch?"
"Of course," Harry answered, turning on his heel and walking away from the Charms class and down to Transfiguration, his guess about Professor McGonagall's amnesty against their absence being proven right as she simply nodded and watched as Harry and Hermione joined Neville at their desk, the Holy Knight of Fire thanking his blood-brother for helping his friend.
"No problem," Harry replied, before he gave Neville an assuring smile as he added, "By the way: she said yes."
"Great," Neville whispered, watching as Professor McGonagall gave her usual first-lesson pep talk, "Thanks Harry."
"Hey," laughed the Holy Knight of Thunder, "What are brothers for?"
Returning their attention to Professor McGonagall, Harry listened intently as the Scottish-born witch began to give an in-depth discussion about Animagi – wizards who could change into an animal at will – before she looked to Harry and Hermione as she seemed to drive down a point, "There have been those at Hogwarts who thought themselves ready to undertake the transformation, but it is a long and dangerous process and I hope that no-one here would dare to dream themselves ready…not even our more gifted students, yes?"
"Yes Professor," the class replied, Harry seeing the hint in the gaze: those who had tried it before – she was talking about his Father and, if his suspicions were right, she was also trying to give a subtle hint to protect Harry.
No doubt, she, like the school and like their so-called caring headmaster, thought the Holy Knight needed protecting:
From Sirius…
HPHG
After the lesson, Harry, Neville and Hermione made their way down to the Great Hall for lunch when Harry heard a familiar voice call out his name, "Hey Potter, can I ask you a question?"
Turning to the source of the voice, his hand slowly moving down to where Excalibur was sheathed, Harry watched as Ron Weasley swaggered across the hall, his face showing a mix of amusement and hidden concern as he asked, "Have you seen any giant black dogs around here as of late?"
"No dogs," Harry replied, before he stared deep into the idiot's face as he added, "But I have seen an ass!"
Leaving it at that, Harry turned and walked into the Great Hall, his mini-entourage at his side as they made their way to the Ravenclaw Table, Luna welcoming them with a smile as Hermione asked, "What do you suppose that was about?"
"No clue," Harry replied, before he changed tack as he asked, "Hi Luna, how was Charms?"
"Not too bad," replied the second year, "We actually had it with the Gryffindors and Ginny was my partner."
"Ginny?" asked Harry, turning to look over to the Gryffindor Table as he asked, "Where is she?"
"Professor Flitwick wanted her to stay back for a moment," Luna explained, "She's a very good friend to me Harry: is she someone you trust?"
'She is now,' Harry sent across the bond, 'I see that she at least knows who my friends are and sees fit to protect them.'
'She is a member of your Vassal House,' Hermione returned, placing a soft hand on Harry's as he began to pick at his dinner, 'Your gift to her this morning obviously drove the point home: by the way, when are you going to have that talk with the Twins?'
'Tonight,' Harry replied, 'I'll return to Gryffindor Tower after Care and speak with them then: excuse me?'
Looking to the staff table, Harry smiled and whistled once, Sebastian looking across the room to his young lord as he left the table and made his way to the Ravens; kneeling down, he asked, "You summoned me, my Lord?"
"Yes I did," Harry replied, "Who did you choose for report duty?"
"Elora volunteered," Sebastian explained, "She said that it would give her a chance, as another girl, to keep an eye on young Miss Weasley as well as the others."
"Then send her a message," Harry instructed his mentor and guard, "Tell her that I will be coming to the Tower tonight to speak with the Twins: also, I hope you don't mind, but I've invited Luna to join us for these remedial training lessons."
"As long as they have proven themselves worthy of your trust, I do not mind who joins us," Sebastian informed him, looking to the High Table as he lowered his voice, "Be very careful Harry: I may have been welcomed as a training mentor, but I haven't been able to keep an eye on Dumbledore as of yet. He seems to have some kind of ulterior motive that is centred around the new Professor Lupin and there's something about him that tells me he won't betray you, but I don't trust Albus."
"I see," Harry replied, "Thanks for the warning Sebastian: I have Care with Hagrid this afternoon and my first lesson with Lupin is on Thursday: I want you to be there and have either Tyler or Dante watching my lesson this afternoon. Tell them that I have given them my permission to intervene, but only if the lesson is in danger of disruption."
"As you command," Sebastian remarked, giving Harry a slight bow of his head before he left the Great Hall, Harry watching the High Table with a sense of inquisition as he looked to their newest teacher, the greying-haired man watching Harry with an expression in his eyes that, for a short second, Harry thought he recognised as relief and pride.
Almost as if Remus was actually proud to see Harry away from the Gryffindors and surrounded by his own friends…
HPHG
Harry was pleased to get out of the castle after lunch. Yesterday's rain had cleared; the sky was a clear, pale gray, and the grass was springy and damp underfoot as they set off for their first ever Care of Magical Creatures class. It was only when he spotted three only-too-familiar backs ahead of them that he realized they must be having these lessons with the Slytherins. Malfoy was talking animatedly to Crabbe and Goyle, who were chortling. Harry was quite sure he knew what they were talking about. Hagrid was waiting for his class at the door of his hut. He stood in his moleskin overcoat, with Fang the boarhound at his heels, looking impatient to start.
"C'mon, now, get a move on!" he called as the class approached. "Got a real treat for yeh today! Great lesson comin' up! Everyone here? Right, follow me!"
For one nasty moment, Harry thought that Hagrid was going to lead them into the forest; Harry had had enough unpleasant experiences in there to last him a lifetime. However, Hagrid strolled off around the edge of the trees, and five minutes later, they found themselves outside a kind of paddock. There was nothing in there.
"Everyone gather 'round the fence here!" he called. "That's it - make sure yeh can see - now, firs' thing yeh'll want ter do is open yer books -"
"How?" said the cold, drawling voice of Draco Malfoy.
"Eh?" said Hagrid.
"How do we open our books?" Malfoy repeated. He took out his copy of The Monster Book of Monsters, which he had bound shut with a length of rope. Other people took theirs out too; some had belted their book shut; others had crammed them inside tight bags or clamped them together with binder clips.
"Hasn' - hasn' anyone bin able ter open their books?" said Hagrid, looking crestfallen.
The class all shook their heads.
"We have," Harry and Hermione chorused, holding up their open copies of the Monster Book of Monsters as Neville shared an almost worried glance with his blood-brother. With a soft sigh, Harry whispered, "Stroke the spine and they'll be as loyal as puppies."
"Well, well," Hagrid gasped, "Well done 'Arry an' you too Hermione: five points to Gryffindor fer comin' to lesson prepared: also, he's right: yeh jus' stroke the spines o' course."
"Oh, how silly we've all been!" Malfoy sneered. "We should have stroked them! Why didn't we guess!"
"I - I thought they were funny," Hagrid said uncertainly to Hermione.
"Oh, tremendously funny!" said Malfoy. "Really witty, giving us books that try and rip our hands off!"
"Shut up, Malfoy," said Harry quietly. Hagrid was looking downcast and Harry wanted Hagrid's first lesson to be a success.
"Righ' then," said Hagrid, who seemed to have lost his thread, "so - so yeh've got yer books an'...an'...now yeh need the Magical Creatures. Yeah. So I'll go an' get 'em. Hang on..."
He strode away from them into the forest and out of sight.
"God, this place is going to the dogs," said Malfoy loudly. "That oaf teaching classes, my father'll have a fit when I tell him -"
"Shut up, Malfoy," Harry repeated.
"Careful, Potter, there's a Dementor behind you -"
"Not a problem here, is there Harry?" asked a youthful voice, Harry and Hermione smiling as Tyler Kingston, the youngest of the Order and the one who could fit in the best with the class, appeared from the trees of the forest, his sharp, youthful features punctuated by the streak of silver in his wild dark hair, his eyes shocking Harry as they were the same colour as the streak; a clear, almost liquid-form colour of silver that reminded Harry of mercury or molten steel.
"Nothing I can't handle Tyler," Harry replied, looking around before he withdrew Excalibur from his belt, the sword's metal singing as it was revealed to the Slytherins. As the Gryffindors shared a gasp at the sight of the majestic weapon, Harry heaved a sigh before he explained, "Do you actually think a Dementor stands a chance against this weapon Malfoy? When it confronted me on the train, it was the magic of my family's weapon that saved all of us while you were doing…oh, what did the twins say Hermione?"
"Nearly wetting himself," Hermione exclaimed, the Slytherins all suddenly looking at Malfoy with an expression that most certainly wasn't the usual supportive laughter.
"Now," Harry remarked, "I've heard about this lesson: they say that we meet the unexpected and the occasionally dangerous: just imagine if Hagrid somehow found a way to study a Dementor? Who'd be more scared Malfoy: me, a powerful Holy Knight with the most powerful sword in history at his side or you, a blonde-haired prat with an attitude that makes you seem less superior than you claim to be?"
"Watch your mouth Potter," Malfoy snarled, "My Father will…"
"My Father will hear about this," Harry and Hermione chorused, the Holy Knight of Thunder smiling slyly as he took up the conversation, "By all means Ferret-face; call Daddy dearest: I'd love another chance to humiliate him like I did when I spoke my mind about the events of last summer; oh, and who was it that knocked Lucius Malfoy on his ass?"
"I do believe it was a House Elf Harry," Hermione chided, the Gryffindors – minus Ron Weasley – all laughing at the revelation as Harry nodded.
"That's right love: a House Elf: the same House Elf that now serves a much more noble family and, unlike your Father, doesn't need his money to get his way."
Malfoy went red with the shame of the revelation, before a loud squeal changed the direction of the conversation.
"Oooooooh!" squealed Lavender Brown, pointing toward the opposite side of the paddock.
Trotting toward them were a dozen of the most bizarre creatures Harry had ever seen. They had the bodies, hind legs, and tails of horses, but the front legs, wings, and heads of what seemed to be giant eagles, with cruel, steel-colored beaks and large, brilliantly, orange eyes. The talons on their front legs were half a foot long and deadly looking. Each of the beasts had a thick leather collar around its neck, which was attached to a long chain, and the ends of all of these were held in the vast hands of Hagrid, who came jogging into the paddock behind the creatures.
"Gee up, there!" he roared, shaking the chains and urging the creatures toward the fence where the class stood. Everyone drew back slightly as Hagrid reached them and tethered the creatures to the fence.
"Hippogriffs!" Hagrid roared happily, waving a hand at them. "Beau'iful, aren' they?"
Harry could sort of see what Hagrid meant. Once you got over the first shock of seeing something that was half horse, half bird, you started to appreciate the Hippogriffs' gleaming coats, changing smoothly from feather to hair, each of them a different color: stormy gray, bronze, pinkish roan, gleaming chestnut, and inky black.
"So," said Hagrid, rubbing his hands together and beaming around, "if yeh wan' ter come a bit nearer..."
Harry did, followed by Hermione and finally Neville, the Holy Knights aware of Tyler watching from the side, his position clear should there be any cause for alarm. As he neared the fence, Harry suddenly felt a strong pull take root within his chest, the roar of the wind echoing in his ears, a familiar metallic singing coming from his right hand.
Looking down, Harry gasped as he saw Excalibur's edge shining with pure white light, Hermione and Neville noticing this, but seemingly keeping their gaze with the Hippogriffs; sheathing his sword, as he did not wish to alarm the beasts before them, Harry joined his friends, watching as Hagrid spoke again. "Now, firs' thing yeh gotta know abou' Hippogriffs is, they're proud; easily offended, Hippogriffs are. Don't ever insult one, 'cause it might be the last thing yeh do."
Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle weren't listening; they were talking in an undertone and Harry had a nasty feeling they were plotting how best to disrupt the lesson.
"Yeh always wait fer the Hippogriff ter make the firs' move," Hagrid continued. "It's polite, see? Yeh walk toward him, and yeh bow, an' yeh wait. If he bows back, yeh're allowed ter touch him. If he doesn' bow, then get away from him sharpish, 'cause those talons hurt."
"Right - who wants ter go first?"
"I will," Harry replied, watching as Neville and Hermione took a step back; with a loud clap of his hands, Hagrid smiled broadly and moved to the paddock.
"Good man, Harry!" roared Hagrid. "Right then - let's see how yeh get on with Buckbeak."
He untied one of the chains, pulled the gray Hippogriff away from its fellows, and slipped off its leather collar. The class on the other side of the paddock seemed to be holding its breath. Malfoy's eyes were narrowed maliciously.
"Easy now, Harry," said Hagrid quietly. "Yeh've got eye contact, now try not ter blink...Hippogriffs don' trust yeh if yeh blink too much..."
Harry's eyes immediately began to water, but he didn't shut them. Buckbeak had turned his great, sharp head and was staring at Harry with one fierce orange eye. "Tha's it," said Hagrid. "Tha's it, Harry...now, bow."
However, as Harry went to bow to the great beast before him, Hagrid and the group gave a gasp of shock as Buckbeak flared his wings, like a phoenix about to flame away, before he bowed on his forelegs, a low chirp of respect escaping the bird-like creature as Hagrid stood there, completely lost in shock.
"Well tha's a first," he exclaimed, before nodding to Harry, "See what 'appens when you get closer 'Arry."
"Okay," Harry replied, stepping closer to Buckbeak; the beast didn't move: instead, it watched the Holy Knight of Thunder with its bright eye, before Harry extended his hand and touched the feathers on Buckbeak's head, a second roar of wind echoing in Harry's mind before everyone else gasped as a flash of lightning lit up the sky and, on his robe, Harry's Crest began to glow, the silver eye of the Holy Knight shining with raw power.
"Hagrid," Hermione gasped, "I think that Buckbeak just became…Harry's familiar."
"Blimey," Hagrid gasped, looking to Tyler as he added, "I s'pose that yeh'd better go and speak with that leader of yours, right?"
"I guess so," Tyler agreed, before he turned and walked away, his own eyes shining with wonder as to what he had just seen happen between the sky-based beast and his young lord.
Back at the lesson, Hagrid cleared his throat before he spoke again, "Righ' then, Harry," said Hagrid. "I reckon he migh' let yeh ride him!"
This was more than Harry had bargained for. He was used to a broomstick; but he wasn't sure a Hippogriff would be quite the same.
"Yeh climb up there, jus' behind the wing joint," said Hagrid, "an' mind yeh don' pull any of his feathers out, he won' like that..."
Harry put his foot on the top of Buckbeak's wing and hoisted himself onto its back. Buckbeak stood up. Harry wasn't sure where to hold on; everything in front of him was covered with feathers. But, as he sat there, Harry felt a sentient mind touch his own, instincts and trust being exchanged across the link as Buckbeak turned his head, one orange eye winking at Harry before the beast lowered his head as if waiting for orders.
"Good boy," Harry whispered, petting the Hippogriff's neck as he instructed, "Let's show them what you can do Buckbeak: off we go."
Twelve-foot wings sprung up on either side of Harry, the wind rushing through his black hair as Buckbeak sprinted forwards, before, with a single swish of those wings, the great beast took to the skies, the discomfort Harry had been fearing now non-existent as Buckbeak soared through the skies, the world above Hogwarts welcoming the Holy Knight as if it were his real world.
With a cry of elation, Harry watched as Buckbeak soared once around the school, before, with a gentle nudge through the link that had formed between them, Harry told Buckbeak to take him back down, the Hippogriff obeying his command as it slowly cantered across the ground, coming to a stop in front of the class, Buckbeak lowering himself to the ground to give Harry an easy dismount.
"Amazing Harry," Neville exclaimed, "I can't believe how easy you made it look."
"Thank you fer all yeh help 'Arry," Hagrid beamed, "Take twenty points fer Gryffindor fer helping out: now, who wants to go next?"
"Oh please," Malfoy groaned, Harry sensing danger as if he were a beast sensing the oncoming storm, "If Potter can do it, then anyone can: familiar, yeah right: you're not dangerous at all are you, you great ugly brute?"
"Malfoy," Hagrid remarked warningly, Harry reacting before anyone else could; Buckbeak rose up, his talons flared, but Harry got there first, his hands held up to calm his newfound familiar, his eyes on the creature.
"It's okay," Harry told him, "Don't mind him: come on Buckbeak, calm down." Seeing its master before him, Buckbeak lowered himself again, before he leaned forwards, Harry stroking the bird's beak of the Hippogriff as he soothed the anger within his friend. "That's it," he smiled, "You don't need to waste your rage on him; good boy Buckbeak."
Pressing his head against the beak of the Hippogriff, Harry whispered to the beast, "You're my familiar now Buckbeak and I won't allow anyone to upset you or any of your friends, do you understand?"
Buckbeak nudged Harry with his beak, a sense of understanding being sent across their link as Harry turned to Malfoy, his softness gone in an instant as his silver eye flashed like lightning.
"Do you have some kind of hearing deficiency?" he asked Malfoy, clenching his right hand as sparks began to dance across his fingertips, "Hagrid specifically told you not to insult them and, believe me Malfoy, you try and play the victim in all this and you will lose; Hagrid," he looked to his professor as he decided to ensure Buckbeak's safety, "Given that Buckbeak became my familiar, I would like to personally request that only I or my friends handle him and, if you like, I can pay for you to keep him healthy for me."
"Oh," gasped Hagrid, Harry noticing his large friend trying his hardest not to actually shed tears with this offer, "Thank yeh 'Arry: yeh 'ave an heart o' gold: all righ' then; if yeh come to me hut later, we can talk about Beaky."
"No problem," Harry replied, smiling as Buckbeak seemed to settle down next to his new master, Harry noticing Hermione and Neville giving him a warm smile as if to show they agreed with what had happened.
HPHG
When Harry returned to Gryffindor Tower, after giving Tyler an update on the class and what had happened after his bonding to Buckbeak, he was slightly surprised to find not only Elora waiting for him, but Neville and Hermione, both of them showing that they didn't want Harry to return to the belly of the beast alone.
Thanking them, Harry spoke the new password – Fortuna Major – and made his way into the Common Room, his eyes catching sight of the twins waiting for him. Taking a seat next to them, Harry started to speak, "I'm sorry that this meeting took so long you two, but I still wish to offer you both something that could be beneficial, both to the House and to your futures."
"That's funny," Fred laughed, "Because we'd like to give you something as well Harry."
As Harry watched, Fred reached into his robe and withdrew what looked like a folded parchment, which he handed to Harry as he explained, "Just tap it and say I solemnly swear that I am up to no good: if you want to clear it again, say Mischief Managed."
Following the instructions, Harry watched as ink began to spider-web outwards from the point of his wand's touch, forming an array of intricate designs and words that, at a closer look, the Holy Knight realised to be Hogwarts. On the front of the parchment was a message:
Messers Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs do hereby present
THE MARAUDER'S MAP
"Wow," Harry gasped, "But what does this have to do with me?"
"We did some research," Fred explained, "And we discovered that Prongs…"
"Is, or rather was, really James Potter," George finished, both of them now giving Harry a look of respect.
"And who were the Marauders?" asked Harry.
"Our idols," Fred explained.
"Our mentors," George remarked, both of them placing their hands on their hearts.
"And pranksters extraordinaire!" they chorused, Harry laughing as he actually imagined his Father causing chaos with help of his little gang.
"So," Fred continued, "As the son of Prongs."
"We decided this is rightfully yours," George explained.
"As are our services," they added in unison, Harry shaking his head as they asked, "So what's the offer?"
"In short," Harry replied, "I'd like the two of you to use your inventive skills for the good of the House and, if you can manage it, then I can arrange for a property in Diagon Alley where Messers Fred and George Weasley can set up shop and sell prank items as well as experiment to their hearts' desires."
"Serious?" asked Fred.
"No, he's Harry," George laughed.
"Save it," Harry explained, looking to the two of them as he explained, "I can arrange it so that you have your business within the year and I can have people to run it while you're here finishing your education; all you have to do is say…"
"YES!" Exclaimed the twins, Harry smiling successfully as he held out both his hands, both of the twins shaking his hands ferociously as they added, "We await your word, my Lord."
"Thanks guys," Harry laughed, "You have no idea how much this means to me."
Chapter 13 and the surprises continue; Harry has the Marauder's Map and a new familiar, but what could worry Sebastian so much about Remus and can Harry help?
Plus, will Malfoy learn his lesson and, if not, will Harry get there in time to keep his friends out of the line of fire?
Keep Reading to Find Out;
Next Chapter: Lessons with Remus and Sebastian; also it's Hogsmeade Weekend, but Dumbledore's poking his nose in Harry's business again; and, to top it all off, Sirius is back and has a story to tell the HKT;
Chapter 14: Padfoot's Return
Following the acceptance of his offer from the twins, Harry recalled Hagrid's invitation to an evening meeting; once again escorted by his fellow Holy Knights, Harry made his way across the grounds and down towards Hagrid's hut, their new Care Professor smiling happily as he saw them standing there.
"I was wondering if yeh had changed yer mind," Hagrid commented, inviting the three inside, Harry barely getting across the threshold before Fang bounded over to him, licking his face and making himself comfortable at Harry's feet.
"How's Buckbeak?" asked Harry calmly, stroking Fang and helping himself to tea that Hagrid had provided; as always, Harry pretended to accept one of Hagrid's infamous rock cakes.
"He's much better thanks ter yer bonding with 'im 'Arry," Hagrid answered, Neville and Hermione watching as Harry seemed to grow comfortable with something normal returning to his routine. Hagrid had been his friend for years now and, despite the lack of faith that the Holy Knight of Thunder had in Dumbledore, his friendship with Hagrid would never change.
"I'm glad," Harry answered, his eyes watching the windows as he added, "I hope you don't mind my sense of worry for him Hagrid; it's just I'm concerned that Malfoy may try something and use his Daddy's money to get Buckbeak put down."
"Never!" growled Neville, suddenly rising to his feet, his cup of tea smashing on the floor. Seeing such ferocity in the Holy Knight of Fire, Harry was about to ask the meaning when Neville beat him to the punch, "Buckbeak is your familiar Harry and, other than being the Heir of Gryffindor and the Last Pure Knight of the Elemental Order, you're…well, you: if Malfoy manages to get away with it, I'll fry his so-called perfect hair-style to a crisp."
The flames in Hagrid's fireplace flickered dangerously, but Harry couldn't help but agree with Neville: he had too many accolades to his name for anyone to have the balls to challenge him.
'Now if I could only silence the Dead Man Walking of that fact,' Harry thought, his hand now practically ironing Fang's black fur as he tried to ignore the feelings within him known to the others as the Oncoming Storm.
To distract himself, Harry decided to go for the main reason he had come down here, "Hagrid, can you be honest with me?"
"Of course I can 'Arry," Hagrid answered, "Yeh may 'ave been in the wrong place at the wrong time before, but now yer one of them 'Oly Knights, I'll tell yeh anything that yeh want to know."
"Then can you honestly tell me," Harry requested, "What your personal opinion is of Albus Dumbledore and what you think about the escaped Azkaban prisoner?"
"If yeh mean Black," Hagrid answered, "Then I can only say that 'e would never harm an 'air on yeh head 'Arry: 'e's about as loyal to yeh as Fang is ter me. As fer what yeh be askin' me bout Dumbledore: I'm gonna need yeh to keep this silent."
"Okay," Harry nodded, Hermione and Neville moving closer to their comrade as he waited for his answer.
"Personally," Hagrid answered, "I don't think he's the great man I thought 'im to be; yeh see 'Arry, he's the one that left yeh with those Muggles after Lily and James were killed. When I saw 'ow yeh were bein' treated by them, I felt strangely angry and doubted Dumbledore's orders; ever since that day, I've never really believed in 'im, and now that yeh be askin' about him, I can finally tell yeh the truth."
"I see," Harry remarked, "Thanks Hagrid: that means everything to me and I also thank you for your opinion in Black: what I don't really understand is what it is about him that makes people so protective of me?"
"Now that," Hagrid replied, "Is something that I think 'e should tell yeh himself 'Arry and…wha's that noise?"
Harry had heard it too: drawing Excalibur from his belt, Harry raced out of Hagrid's hut and down to the paddock where Buckbeak was now living, his front end reared up in rage and anger, a cowering, groaning figure at the beast's feet.
Harry would recognise the red-headed idiot anywhere, "Weasley: what in the name of magic are you doing here?"
"Dealing with you," answered Ron, "Bonded to this monster: the Board won't stand for it: both he and you will be finally put down as the freaks you are."
"A noble plan," Harry replied, approaching the Hippogriff carefully, his hands held up to calm Buckbeak as he soothed his familiar with his mental presence, "But there are a few things you forget, such as my heritage as Lord Gryffindor and Holy Knight of Thunder. But, you sought this battle and I will oblige: please Weasley, fight me if you will, because I guarantee that the only one who will lose is you!"
A white bolt of lightning crossed the sky as Harry said the last word, his body standing tall and proud over the weakened weasel, a part of him knowing that the asshole must have had someone else involved.
And Harry didn't need to know Mastery Legilimency to know the identity of Weasley's co-conspirator…
HPHG
Ron was in the Hospital Wing all of one night, his wound healed straight away by Madam Pomfrey, despite claims from the red-headed asshole that he should allow it to heal naturally, a part of him knowing he would need the evidence. However, by the time he returned to class, Harry knew that he would need to settle his affairs with the git and soon, so, when Weasley swaggered into Potions on Thursday morning, his arm bound in a make-shift sling, Harry rolled his eyes and prepared for trouble.
"Ten points from Gryffindor for arriving late and not apologising Weasley," growled Severus Snape, his gaze noticing the slapped-together job of Weasley's sling: it appeared to be made from spare rags rather than the professional job of a healer. As he watched the boy approach Finnegan and Thomas, Severus caught Harry's eye and, to his surprise, he found a sly, crafty smile on the boy's face.
Ever since he had learned of Potter's status as a Holy Knight, Severus had been forced to change his mind about the boy's upbringing: he would never willingly admit it, but he had begun to lessen his jibes and taunts to the boy; Merlin, even Longbottom was doing better, though Snape had heard rumours that he and Potter had formed some kind of brotherly bond.
And when you threw Hermione Granger into the mix, her bond with Potter being well known thanks to the actions of the Heir of Gryffindor before the end of last year, Severus knew that he would have to watch what he said to Potter and Granger in the coming months.
Perhaps it was time for a meeting with the boy, face-to-face, particularly when Snape considered who was at Hogwarts and who was after the boy…
"Sir," Weasley called, "sir, I'll need help cutting up these daisy roots, because of my arm…"
"Use your so-called injured arm to balance the ingredient and use your good arm to cut up the roots," Snape hissed, a sudden cough that may have been hiding a laugh coming from Potter's table.
It looked like the rumours of the disbanding of the Golden Trio weren't rumours after all; as the lesson continued, Weasley tried to do everything he could to upset and gain favour from the lesson, but, every time, Severus would counter his attempts and Harry's apparent coughing would become more feigned as he tried his hardest not to laugh.
The deciding factor came at the end of the lesson as the students were bottling their potions and, as Weasley appeared to struggle with his, he slipped suddenly, knocking the solution to the next table, where Harry, Neville and Hermione were working.
However, as Severus watched, half-expecting trouble, he was stunned into submission as the flowing potion seemed to do a u-turn and splash all over the lower part of Weasley's robes, particularly around a certain area of the male anatomy.
"How appropriate," Harry whispered, "You had the balls to claim your injury was real, but when it came down to it, you prove that your grapefruits are nothing more than a bunch of shrivelled little raisins. Hermione, Neville, let's go to our next lesson: sir, we'll leave our potion on your desk."
Then, before Severus could say another word, Harry turned on his heel and left the classroom, his visage flanked by Hermione and Neville, the Holy Knights aware of a look of pained torture on the faces of every third-year boy they saw, particularly on the face of a ferret who was also making his own way to lunch.
It wasn't until their lesson with Lupin that afternoon that Malfoy revealed the looks and Harry showed the whole school that he had indeed changed…
HPHG
"Heard from your pal, Hagrid lately?" Malfoy asked in his drawling voice, Harry stopping dead just outside the Defence classroom as he had been waiting for this, "I heard that the Governors are unhappy that a pureblood heir was attacked by such a savage creature, even if it is Weasley."
"Yeah," Harry droned, turning slowly, his hand moving towards Excalibur as he spoke, "Funny how Ron appeared to grow a pair right after you were shunned by Hagrid's lesson, so tell me: how much did you offer him?"
"I have no idea what you…" Malfoy was cut off as the sound of metallic singing echoed through the hall, those around them stopping at the sight of the sword, which was now inches from Malfoy's face, "Threats Potter? Wait until…"
"Your Father hears about this; I know," sighed Harry, "Merlin's beard Malfoy, I have two things to say to you: Broken and Record: I know you were the one to offer that magpie-minded asshole something to get Hagrid in trouble. Ron respects Hagrid as much as I do; in fact, I'd say that it's the only thing that we have left in common and, if I find Buckbeak anywhere near an executioner's axe, I'll see to it that you and your Daddy have an appointment…with this!"
Slashing Excalibur through the air, Harry watched as a nearby gargoyle was sliced cleanly in two, a rumble of thunder echoing throughout Hogwarts as Harry faced his long-time enemy, his voice as cold as ice as he spoke, "Be warned Malfoy: I am not the same Potter who knows nothing of his worth and, if I must, then I will use every resource at my disposal to take you down. Neither you, nor Daddy dearest scare me, not when I have a higher connection than you anyway, or have you not met Amelia Bones, Head of the DMLE and Vassal to Lord Potter?"
Malfoy was white with fear as he looked to the nearly decapitated statue, the students around them suddenly moving aside as Harry saw Sebastian make his presence known, strangely flanked by Professor Lupin, who asked, "Problem here, Lord Potter?"
"Nothing I can't handle Professor Lupin," Harry answered, looking to Sebastian as he added, "Just solving a few problems and showing this idiot the jaws of the dragon."
Sebastian nodded with understanding, his own mind recalling their first so-called study lesson, which had mainly been used for Harry to give the Order a set of instructions and private messages through code-words; the jaws of the dragon was a hidden meaning to we have a problem that needs my full attention.
"Ah," Lupin smiled, "Well then; it's a good thing you haven't gone inside."
He turned to the other third years around them, his voice carrying across the hall as he explained, "Today's will be a practical lesson. You will need only your wands."
A few curious looks were exchanged as the class put away their books. They had never had a practical Defence Against the Dark Arts class before, unless you counted the memorable class last year when their old teacher had brought a cage full of pixies to class and set them loose.
"Right then," said Professor Lupin, when everyone was ready. "If you'd follow me."
He led them along the deserted corridor and around a corner, where the first thing they saw was Peeves the Poltergeist, who was floating upside down in midair and stuffing the nearest keyhole with chewing gum.
Peeves didn't look up until Professor Lupin was two feet away; then he wiggled his curly-toed feet and broke into song. "Loony, loopy Lupin," Peeves sang. "Loony, loopy Lupin, loony, loopy Lupin -"
Rude and unmanageable as he almost always was, Peeves usually showed some respect toward the teachers. Everyone looked quickly at Professor Lupin to see how he would take this; to their surprise, he was still smiling. "I'd take that gum out of the keyhole if I were you, Peeves," he said pleasantly. "Mr. Filch won't be able to get in to his brooms."
Filch was the Hogwarts caretaker, a bad-tempered, failed wizard who waged a constant war against the students and, indeed, Peeves. However, Peeves paid no attention to Professor Lupin's words, except to blow a loud wet raspberry. Professor Lupin gave a small sigh and took out his wand.
"This is a useful little spell," he told the class over his shoulder. "Please watch closely."
He raised the wand to shoulder height, said, "Waddiwasi!" and pointed it at Peeves.
With the force of a bullet, the wad of chewing gum shot out of the keyhole and straight down Peeves's left nostril; he whirled upright and zoomed away, cursing.
"Cool, sir!" said Dean Thomas in amazement.
"Thank you, Dean," said Professor Lupin, putting his wand away again. "Shall we proceed?"
They set off again, the class looking at shabby Professor Lupin with increased respect. He led them down a second corridor and stopped, right outside the staffroom door.
"Inside, please," said Professor Lupin, opening it and standing back.
The staffroom, a long, panelled room full of old, mismatched chairs, was empty except for one teacher. Professor Snape was sitting in a low armchair, and he looked around as the class filed in. His eyes were glittering and there was a nasty sneer playing around his mouth. As Professor Lupin came in and made to close the door behind him, Snape said, "Leave it open, Lupin. I'd rather not witness this."
As Severus left the room, Harry then noticed that, for the second lesson in a row, Ron was nowhere to be seen; Madam Pomfrey must be taking longer than he'd originally believed to repair the seemingly irreparable damage to Ron's anatomy.
'Still,' Harry thought, 'It's not like he didn't deserve it.'
Seeing the class all assembled, Lupin turned before he indicated an old wardrobe, which shook ferociously as he then asked, "Now, does anyone want to take a guess as to what's behind here?"
"That's a Boggart," explained Dean.
"Very good," nodded Lupin, before he then asked, "Now, would anyone tell me what a Boggart looks like? How about you Miss Granger?"
"No-one really knows," Hermione explained, "Boggarts are shape-shifters, so only those who have faced one know what they look like."
"5 points to Gryffindor," Lupin smiled, before he then turned and asked, "Mr Potter, would you tell us why exactly no-one knows why a Boggart differs?"
'What am I?' thought Harry coldly, 'A Hufflepuff?'
"Boggarts take the form of whatever the person fears the most; the only way to get rid of a Boggart is with a charm that turns the fear into something amusing, but, let's take me for example, how could you make something like, I don't know, Voldemort funny exactly?"
There were shudders at the name before Lupin nodded at his answer and example, "Well done Mr Potter, take 15 points for Gryffindor; 5 for the answer; 5 for the counter and 5 for the example; now, The charm that repels a Boggart is simple, yet it requires force of mind. You see, the thing that really finishes a Boggart is laughter. What you need to do is force it to assume a shape that you find amusing. We will practice the charm without wands first. After me, please...riddikulus!"
"Riddikulus!" said the class together.
"Good," said Professor Lupin. "Very good. But that was the easy part, I'm afraid. You see, the word alone is not enough. And this is where you come in Neville, would you step forwards please?"
Harry then watched as Neville approached warily before Professor Lupin asked, "Now Neville, what is it that you fear?"
"Do you think he'll say Snape?" asked Harry, looking to Hermione as she seemed intent of keeping her focus on this lesson.
"No," Hermione answered, "He wouldn't say that…would he?"
He did…
"Professor Snape."
Nearly everyone laughed. Even Neville grinned apologetically. Professor Lupin, however, looked thoughtful. "Professor Snape...hmmm...Neville, I believe you live with your grandmother?"
"Er - yes," said Neville nervously. "But - I don't want the Boggart to turn into her either."
"No, no, you misunderstand me," said Professor Lupin, now smiling. "I wonder, could you tell us what sort of clothes your grandmother usually wears?"
Neville looked startled, but said, "Well...always the same hat. A tall one with a stuffed vulture on top. And a long dress...green, normally...and sometimes a fox-fur scarf."
"And a handbag?" prompted Professor Lupin.
"A big red one," said Neville.
"Right then," said Professor Lupin. "Can you picture those clothes very clearly, Neville? Can you see them in your mind's eye?"
"Yes," said Neville uncertainty, plainly wondering what was coming next.
"When the Boggart bursts out of this wardrobe, Neville, and sees you, it will assume the form of Professor Snape," said Lupin. "And you will raise your wand - thus - and cry "Riddikulus" - and concentrate hard on your grandmother's clothes. If all goes well, Professor Boggart Snape will be forced into that vulture-topped hat, and that green dress, with that big red handbag."
There was a great shout of laughter. The wardrobe wobbled more violently.
"If Neville is successful, the Boggart is likely to shift his attention to each of us in turn," said Professor Lupin. "I would like all of you to take a moment now to think of the thing that scares you most, and imagine how you might force it to look comical..."
The room went quiet. Harry thought...What scared him most in the world? His first thought was Lord Voldemort - a Voldemort returned to full strength. But before he had even started to plan a possible counterattack on a Boggart-Voldemort, a horrible image came floating to the surface of his mind: A rotting, glistening hand, slithering back beneath a black cloak; a long, rattling breath from an unseen mouth…then a cold so penetrating it felt like drowning.
Harry shivered, then looked around, hoping no one had noticed. Many people had their eyes shut tight, but, as he tried to counteract the thought of the Dementor, Harry suddenly had a very vivid image of how to counter the Dementor; he was holding it.
"Everyone ready?" said Professor Lupin.
Harry was, the image set clearly in his mind: everyone else was nodding and rolling up their sleeves.
"Neville, we're going to back away," said Professor Lupin. "Let you have a clear field, all right? I'll call the next person forward...Everyone back, now, so Neville can get a clear shot…"
They all retreated, backed against the walls, leaving Neville alone beside the wardrobe. He looked pale and frightened, but he had pushed up the sleeves of his robes and was holding his wand ready.
"On the count of three, Neville," said Professor Lupin, who was pointing his own wand at the handle of the wardrobe. "One - two - three - now!"
Lupin flicked his wand at the doorknob. The wardrobe burst open. Hook-nosed and menacing, Professor Snape stepped out, his eyes flashing at Neville.
Neville backed away, his wand up, mouthing wordlessly. Snape was bearing down upon him, reaching inside his robes.
"Riddikulus!" squeaked Neville.
There was a noise like a whip crack. Snape stumbled; he was wearing a long, lace-trimmed dress and a towering hat topped with a moth-eaten vulture, and he was swinging a huge crimson handbag.
There was a roar of laughter; the Boggart paused, confused, and Professor Lupin shouted, "Parvati! Forward!"
Parvati walked forward, her face set. Snape rounded on her. There was another crack, and where he had stood was a bloodstained, bandaged mummy; its sightless face was turned to Parvati and it began to walk toward her very slowly, dragging its feet, its stiff arms rising.
"Riddikulus!" cried Parvati.
A bandage unraveled at the mummy's feet; it became entangled, fell face forward, and its head rolled off.
"Seamus!" roared Professor Lupin.
Seamus darted past Parvati.
Crack! Where the mummy had been was a woman with floorlength black hair and a skeletal, green-tinged face - a banshee. She opened her mouth wide and an unearthly sound filled the room, a long, wailing shriek that made the hair on Harry's head stand on end –
"Riddikulus!" shouted Seamus.
The banshee made a rasping noise and clutched her throat; her voice was gone.
Crack! The banshee turned into a rat, which chased its tail in a circle, then - crack!- became a rattlesnake, which slithered and writhed before - crack! - becoming a single, bloody eyeball.
"It's confused!" shouted Lupin. "We're getting there! Dean!"
Dean hurried forward.
Crack! The eyeball became a severed hand, which flipped over and began to creep along the floor like a crab.
"Riddikulus!" yelled Dean.
There was a snap, and the hand was trapped in a mousetrap.
"Harry!" called Lupin, Harry stepping forwards, the image ready in his mind: however, when the Boggart-Hand faced him, its body twisted and contorted until it formed not an image of a Dementor, but a very pale, blood-soaked, cut-streaked, wounded and practically dead figure that made Harry's heart stop dead.
Hermione…
"You failed me Harry," Boggart-Hermione whispered, her voice as sweet and melodious as the real thing, "You killed me: you are no Knight; you're a demon!"
"No," gasped Harry, stepping back and actually dropping his wand, his eyes on the Boggart, the real Hermione moving to his side, her mind frantically trying to reach her betrothed through their link.
'Harry,' she cried in his mind, 'It's all right love; I'm really here: you haven't failed; you haven't killed me.'
"Hermione," whimpered Harry, the Boggart's influence on him stronger than ever, "I'm sorry."
"Here!" cried Lupin, suddenly skating across the floor, standing in front of Harry, Sebastian moving to Harry's side, taking his lord into his arms as they looked to see what Remus was frightened of.
The full moon stared back at them, though to the others, save for Harry and Hermione, it looked more like a crystal ball.
"Riddikulus," gasped Remus, his voice almost desperate as the full moon became a deflating balloon that shot through the class, before it moved back into the wardrobe, Sebastian still holding onto Harry, the Knight of Thunder stammering his apologies.
"Professor," Sebastian exclaimed, "I'm getting my Lord Potter to his chambers where he can recover: please excuse us."
"Yes of course," Remus replied, a part of him now filled with sorrow as to the sight that Harry had envisioned; even the mere sight of the full moon didn't have that kind of effect on Lupin.
As the class filed out, Neville, Dean and Seamus standing at Harry and Sebastian's sides, Hermione remained behind, her mind whirring with what she had seen; looking to their professor, Hermione asked, "Professor…are…are you…what I think you are?"
"Yes I am," Remus answered, watching the spot where Harry was retreating with Sebastian, "Please take care of him Miss Granger; I fear I may have failed to do that."
"I will…Remus," Hermione smiled, "And, when we're alone, please call me Hermione: anyone who cares for him as much as I do has my respect."
"Thank you Hermione," Remus nodded, watching as his student left the staffroom, his own mind still trying to get over the sight of Harry in so much pain, and so frightened of what he had seen.
If Remus' guess had been right, Harry should have seen the Dementor; hearing those screams as he had done would have had a rather startling effect on him and would have driven him to counter them, but no; his fear had been his betrothed, his mate, his Hermione.
'Albus,' thought Remus, 'Why do I have the sudden feeling that you had something to do with this?'
HPHG
Reaching Godric's Wing, Hermione gave her password to the statue of Lancelot and raced inside, her mind still trying to break the barricade of fear that had formed around Harry's consciousness.
Her; his Boggart had been her; and those things she had said to him: he had killed her; he had failed her; he was a Demon?
'No,' Hermione thought, noticing Neville, Luna and the Order all waiting for her, Harry clearly being seen to by Sebastian and Tonks, Hermione wondering if she could speak to their Auror friend about the effects of Boggarts. If they were meant to be studying those things, then Harry would be forced into so much pain.
Moving towards the master chambers, Hermione gasped as she opened the door and immediately had to shut it as a bolt of black lightning missed her head by inches, Sebastian's voice speaking from the other side, "Don't come in here: it's not safe!"
"Sebastian, it's me!" Hermione retorted, hoping her bond with Harry would protect her from his onslaught, "What happened?"
"I got him back here," Sebastian exclaimed, his voice carrying through the door, "And then he started screaming: I tried to calm him and this…this tempest came from nowhere: have you tried the bond?"
"Every chance I get," Hermione replied, "It's like his mind is closed to me: me, Sebastian: his betrothed: what did that Boggart do to him?"
"What?" gasped the familiar female voice of Tonks, "A Boggart did this? Are you sure Hermione?"
"Sure as Harry's the Holy Knight of Thunder," Hermione replied, pulling out her wand, "I'm coming in."
Pushing open the door, Hermione used her knowledge to craft shields around the room, the black lightning now dancing all over the room, but not touching her; in one side of the chamber, Sebastian and Tonks were using their own magic to redirect and dodge the blasts, the Order's Commander looking as helpless as he felt watching Harry.
And, speaking of Harry: Hermione could only weep as she saw him: Sebastian was right: his body was glowing with the silver power of the storm that he commanded, black lightning flying not only from his fingertips, but from his body and every pore on his skin, his eyes wide and terrified.
Looking to their protectors, an idea, an inspiration, came to Hermione as she commanded, "Get out: leave me here with him."
"He could hurt you," Tonks cried, rolling over to where Hermione was standing, her shield doing its work.
"No," Hermione explained, "I think he knows I'm here, but he's sealed within himself; that's why I can't reach him: leave me with him."
"My Lady," Sebastian exclaimed, "Are you sure? It is my duty to protect you and my Lord to the best of my ability."
"And it is also your duty to obey our every command, even if it overrides the means to protect us," Hermione explained, gesturing to the door as she told him, "Leave Sebastian: don't allow anyone to enter here and see to it that we are undisturbed."
Sebastian felt a clash of his instincts going on inside him, but, in the end, he knew she was right; giving Hermione a salute, the warrior left the room, Tonks looking to Hermione before she joined him, Hermione sealing them both in as she spoke, "Harry, if you can hear me, then know that it's all right: we're safe: I'm alive and I will never ever think of you as that Boggart told you."
No response; it was time for extreme measures; pointing her wand at both him and her, Hermione removed all of their clothing, her eyes widening as she took in the glowing, athletically-trimmed look of her betrothed, her own body looking as strong as his did; truly, their bond, the Ritual of Release and a new life with Dan and Emma had given Harry his strength back.
'Though Merlin help me when we take it to the next step,' Hermione thought, her cheeks flushing at the sight of her boyfriend, 'He could intimidate a horse with that thing.'
Moving closer to his body, Hermione used a quick levitation charm to lower Harry to the bed, the black lightning cascade falling as he seemed to pick up on her meaning. Pulling back the bedcovers, Hermione slid in next to him, her naked body touching every inch of his glowing flesh, his wide-eyed, terrified look slowly becoming relaxed.
A soft hand snaked around her waist, the very touch feeling alive with static magic, a spark of lightning dancing at the fingertips as Hermione looked up, her brown and sea-blue eyes meeting one emerald and one silver eye, though both were now crying as the owner of those eyes held her tightly.
'Hermione,' a sorrowful voice whispered in her mind, 'Did I…did I hurt you?'
'No my love,' Hermione replied, 'I am safe: it was just a Boggart; I know you'll never hurt me and, besides, I think we now have a reason to remain so close.'
'But it was so strong,' Harry told her, 'I actually felt like you had been lost to me: why?'
'Take a wild guess,' Hermione replied, her body now feeling safer than it had done being here with her betrothed, 'Who do we know who would use any means necessary to see us divided?'
'I'm going to kill him!' Harry snarled, the raging sea of magic and raw energy being calmed by Hermione's presence, 'I am only yours and will always be yours and not even Albus Dumbledore will change that: I swear it!'
'I know you do love,' Hermione replied, placing a soft kiss on Harry's lips before she lay her head upon his chest, 'I know you do.'
"Although," Harry laughed out loud, "If Dad ever finds out that you and I were in bed like this, I won't need to worry about any kind of magic killing me: he'll do it for them."
HPHG
Downstairs, Tonks, the Order, Neville and Luna were witness to amused, relieved laughter coming from the Master Chambers, Sebastian smiling to himself as he looked to the others.
"Find out who did that," he commanded his warriors, "No-one harms my Lord like that and gets away with it."
"Yes sir," replied the Order, all of them leaving…save one.
"Are you okay?" asked Tonks, approaching the straggler, Neville and Luna making themselves scarce as they decided to explore their new home in more detail.
"I'm his protector," answered Tyler, "And I couldn't help him when he needed me most: how do I redeem myself now?"
"By not being his protector," answered Tonks, putting an arm around the young warrior, "But by being his friend: that's how I do it."
"Will you help me?" asked Tyler, looking into the Auror's eyes, "Will you…teach me?"
"Of course," Tonks answered, before she found herself surprised as Tyler hugged her in thanks, before he pulled away and seemed to mumble his gratitude, a red flush crossing his cheeks.
HPHG
It took Harry some time to get over his encounter with his chaotic Boggart, but, when he combined his relaxations with Sebastian's lessons, Hermione's company, the growing friendship between him, Neville and Luna and the companionship from Tonks, Harry wasn't all that surprised when he woke one morning and, feeling a familiar tightness in his heart, he whispered, "It's here."
"What's here?" asked Hermione sleepily, her voice coming from Harry's chest where she seemed to have made a permanent bed or relaxation point, though they no longer spent their night-times fully nude any longer. This was mainly to avoid any temptation to do anything that they knew they shouldn't, but it was also because Harry knew that he would need to have a little talk with Dan before that happened.
Lifting her head from Harry's bare chest, Hermione brushed her lips against his as she asked, "What's here love?"
"Halloween," Harry answered and Hermione gasped as she mentally checked the date.
"Oh Merlin; I…I hadn't noticed: are you…"
"Don't worry yourself so much Kitten," Harry replied, brushing his lips against hers again, "You've been the key reason for my distractions, a fact that I don't deny not one bit."
"Is it my fault that you're so attracted to me Sparky?" asked Hermione, Harry chuckling at the use of the pet-name that she had come up with for him: he had thought of Kitten because of what had happened last year, but for her, it was Sparky – and it wasn't due to the scar on his forehead.
"Are you complaining?" asked Harry.
"Not one bit," Hermione replied, letting herself settle back on her boyfriend's chest as she added, "Isn't it a Hogsmeade Weekend as well?"
"Yep," Harry replied, "Did I ever thank Mum and Dad for signing my slip?"
"I think the fact you call them that is thanks for them," Hermione told him, running a gentle hand along his chest as she lay there, "Though if you're really planning to thank them, then why don't we tell McGonagall to leave our names off the list this year?"
"Now that's an idea I don't mind," Harry smiled, giving his girl another kiss on her forehead as he added, "And while I don't mind lying here all day, we do have a duty as students to take advantage of any opportunity that rises to get the hell out of here."
Hermione could only laugh as she felt Harry's body stirring beneath her, the Knight of Thunder moving to get ready as he prepared for a really enjoyable day with his betrothed.
However, as Harry returned from getting dressed, now wearing a long black and golden-threaded robe decorated with his Crest, his hair and clothes styled and done up to perfection, his happiness turned into concern when he saw Hermione, dressed in a basic t-shirt and blue jeans, her own robe laid aside, eyeing a parchment with a look of worry.
"What is it?" he asked, making her look up at him.
"Sirius," she whispered, Harry's eyes widening in shock as she read the letter:
Pup,
I know you told me to stay away, but there are things you need to know; will meet you at the edge of Hogsmeade Village at noon to talk;
Padfoot
"Is he crazy?" asked Harry incredulously, "What's he doing coming here?"
"I don't know," Hermione answered, "Are you going?"
"Do I have a choice?" asked Harry, heaving a sigh as he slid Excalibur into its sheath, before he offered his hand to Hermione, the Knight of Ocean smiling at him as they made their way down to the main entrance, both Hogsmeade and an old friend waiting to greet them on a day that would otherwise spell doom and gloom for Harry.
HPHG
"Harry, my boy," called Dumbledore, appearing near the entrance as McGonagall checked off everyone's slips, "I'm afraid you must stay behind."
'So much for a happy day,' thought Harry, turning to greet the Headmaster as he asked, "Why sir?"
"Your slip is not signed by the Dursleys," Dumbledore explained, before he was surprised as Harry laughed and McGonagall saw red.
"Albus," shrieked the Head of Gryffindor, "I told you a thousand times over and a thousand times again: those…monsters are no longer Mr Potter's legal guardians: my apologies Lord Potter," she added, turning back to Harry, before she held up his slip, "Not only have you your form signed by Mr and Mrs Granger, but Amelia sent me her personal permission and told me that Miss Tonks and your Order would be with you."
"Thank you Minerva," Harry replied, using the Head of Gryffindor's name to show her his full gratitude: she had addressed him out of respect; it was only fair he return the favour.
'Better luck next time Dumbledore,' Harry thought, taking Hermione's arm and leading her out of Hogwarts, following the crowd down to Hogsmeade Village, the familiar figures of the Order and Tonks greeting them at the entrance to the village.
Hogsmeade looked like a Christmas card; the little thatched cottages and shops were all covered in a layer of crisp frost; there were holly wreaths on the doors and strings of enchanted candles hanging in the trees.
"Only in Scotland would this be okay," Harry remarked, looking around the village, "Only Halloween and it already looks like Christmas around here; now," he turned to Sebastian and the Order as he began speaking, "There are some rather personal tasks I need to see to, so Hermione and I will meet you lot at the end of the day and please Tonks, don't follow us."
"I won't," she replied, Harry nodding in agreement as he turned and made his way through the magical village, Hermione snuggling into his embrace as she shivered with the cold.
"Here goes," sighed Harry, walking past a tavern known as the Three Broomsticks and passing Zonko's Joke Shop, a part of him catching sight of two familiar red-heads skulking around inside; with a sad smile, Harry continued walking until he reached the end of the village, where a very familiar large black dog was waiting for him.
"Hello Padfoot," Harry smiled, petting the creature fondly, "I was wondering where you'd run off to."
Padfoot snorted and turned away, leading Harry and Hermione up a rather narrow path, until they came to a small cave with a well-lit campfire and a few provisions; no sooner had they entered the cave than Harry gasped as Excalibur's edge began to glow with a brightness that he had only ever noticed around Hogwarts.
Moments later, Padfoot looked around once before he changed back into Sirius Black, the prisoner of Azkaban looking to Harry fondly as he smiled and whispered, "Hello pup."
"What are you doing here?" asked Harry, watching as Sirius seemed to get warm near the campfire.
"I'm here to tell you the truth," Sirius explained, "About my involvement in this night…12 years ago."
Chapter 14 and Harry and Hermione seem to be bonding even closer, but will Harry's fears affect their relationship or can he conquer the demons of his mind?
Also, what will Harry do after Sirius has told his story? Can Lord Black be redeemed in the eyes of the Holy Knight?
Keep Reading to Find Out;
Next Chapter: Sirius tells Harry EVERYTHING about Halloween and the truth about his role as the Secret Keeper; Hermione comes to another revelation and discovers a way to clear his name; Harry receives a message about a meeting…with Lucius Malfoy; and, to top it all off, Christmas is in the air and Remus would like to join Harry and Hermione;